By Carla B. Mroz, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Contributing Writer
With summer over and temperatures starting to cool down a bit, it’s a great time to check out the Juno Beach Pier for some abundant saltwater fishing!
Snook will be available once again, so be sure to use cut and live bait for those. Jacks can also be caught on bait. Use cut and live bait as well as lures for blue runners. Keep an eye out for Spanish mackerel too (use bait and lures). Catch mangrove snapper on bait (live sardines and shrimp), and as always, catch croakers, whiting, and sand perch with bait.
If you know an aspiring angler, Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers its year-round private Fishing Lessons for adults and children (ages 8 and up.) One-hour lessons are offered daily; scheduled based on availability. Cost: $25/angler (with own gear); $35/angler with rental gear. Bait not included. Email reservations@marinelife.org to register.
Sea turtle nesting season runs through October 31. If you accidentally hook a sea turtle while at the Pier, here’s what to do:
• Contact LMC’s 24-hour rescue hotline – (561) 603-0211
• Gently reel the slack line, keeping the turtle at the surface of the water so it can breathe
• Wait for LMC’s arrival to help
For LMC and Juno Beach Pier updates, follow our social media, visit marinelife.org, or call (561) 627-8280. The full-service Pier House features a snack bar as well as a variety of fishing tackle, including rental poles and bait.
Randy Yent, Pier Coordinator
Juno Beach Pier (561) 627-8280 Ext. 140
Facebook.com/junobeachpier • Instagram & Twitter:@junobeachpier